Police stage anti-terror drills as Beijing steps up Apec security preparations

Police held anti-terror drills on Monday at the two sites hosting the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit as security preparations in the capital are stepped up.

The drills took place simultaneously at the China National Convention Centre in northern Beijing and at Yanqi Lake, with its 65-hectare island featuring a luxury hotel and villas on the outskirts of the capital, according to the China News Agency.

State media said the operations were designed to test the police response to riots and terrorist attacks.

During the drill, the Beijing police command centre issued alerts for a number of unfolding scenarios, including gatherings of hostile crowds, car bombs ramming complexes and hostage-taking incidents.

Six city government departments including public safety, environmental protection, meteorology, communications and public health joined the operation, the report said.